Acetone

General information

Key Points

Toxic following inhalation and ingestion Chemical classification: irritant Inhalation of high levels of acetone vapours may cause irritation and tightness of the

chest Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the mouth Contact with the skin can cause irritation with redness, dry skin and dermatitis Eye contact with liquid and vapours of acetone can cause irritation, leading to corneal

damage after prolonged contact

Prepared by S Bull CRCE HQ, HPA

2010 Version 1

General information: Page 2 of 4

ACETONE – GENERAL INFORMATION

Background Acetone, also known as propanone, is a colourless liquid with a distinctive taste and fruity odour. It is manufactured in large quantities to produce a variety of products including nail polish and varnish removers, plastics, paint, adhesives and inks, and used to make other chemicals such as acetylene. Low levels of acetone are present naturally in the human body, plants, trees and volcanic gases.

Acetone enters the air, water and soil following natural process such as forest fires but to a greater extent from human activities such as during its manufacture and use, from vehicle exhausts and tobacco smoke, as well as from burning waste and from landfills. Some acetone may be removed from air due to its breakdown by sunlight. Rain and snow can also remove small amounts from the atmosphere and deposit it onto soil and water. Acetone can then evaporate back into the air or it may be broken down naturally by microorganisms present in soil and water. Exposure to low levels of acetone can occur by breathing air, eating or drinking foodstuffs containing acetone, or when using acetone–containing products. The amount of acetone in the outside air is generally quite low, whereas levels in inside air may be higher due to the use of household products and cigarette smoking. Acetone also occurs naturally in several fruits and vegetables. People who work in industries making or using acetone will be exposed to higher levels than the general public, but safe

levels of exposure are enforced to protect workers. If exposed to acetone, the potential adverse health effects that may occur depend on the way people are exposed and the amount to which they are exposed. The human body naturally produces small amounts of acetone during the breakdown of fat. Individuals such as pregnant women, diabetics and those who drink alcohol or exercise excessively may have higher levels of acetone that do not usually cause health problems. Breathing high levels of acetone can cause throat and lung irritation and tightening of the chest. Accidental ingestion of products containing acetone can lead to nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the mouth. The amount in food and water should not be high enough to cause such effects. If people get acetone on their skin it may cause irritation, dry skin and dermatitis. Eye contact with liquid and acetone vapours can lead to irritation or eye damage. However, levels of acetone in the environment are not high enough to cause any harm. Children exposed to acetone are expected to show similar effects to adults. Exposure during pregnancy is not likely to cause harm to the unborn child at doses that do not affect the mother. There are no data on whether acetone causes cancer in humans. Research suggests it does not cause cancer in animals.

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ACETONE – GENERAL INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions What is acetone? Acetone is a colourless liquid with a distinctive taste and ‘fruity’ odour What is acetone used for? Acetone is manufactured by industries in large quantities to produce a variety of products such as nail polish and varnish removers, plastics, paint, adhesives, inks, resins, and used as a building block to make other chemicals such as acetylene.. How does acetone get into the environment? Acetone enters the air, water and soil following natural process such as forest fires but to a greater extent from human activities such as during its manufacture and use, from vehicle exhausts and tobacco smoke, and from landfills and burning waste. Some acetone may be removed from air due to its breakdown by sunlight or other chemicals. Rain and snow can also remove small amounts from the atmosphere and deposit it onto soil and water. Acetone can evaporate back into the air or is broken down naturally by microorganisms present in soil and water. How will I be exposed to acetone? The human body naturally produces acetone at low levels. Exposure to low levels of acetone can occur by breathing air, eating or drinking foodstuffs containing acetone, or when using acetone- containing products. The amount of acetone in the outside air is generally quite low, whereas levels in inside air may be higher due to the use of household products and cigarette smoking. Acetone also occurs naturally in several fruits and vegetables. People who work in industries making or using acetone will be exposed to higher levels than the general public, but safe levels of exposure are enforced to protect workers. If there is acetone in the environment will I have any adverse health effects? The presence of acetone in the environment does not always lead to exposure. Clearly, in order for it to cause any adverse health effects you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing or drinking the substance, or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals. Breathing high levels of acetone can cause throat and lung irritation and tightening of the chest. Accidental ingestion of products containing acetone can lead to nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the mouth. The amount in food and water should not be high enough to cause such effects. If people get acetone on their skin it may cause irritation, drying and dermatitis. Eye exposure to liquid and acetone vapours can lead to irritation or eye damage. However, levels of acetone in the environment are not high enough to cause any harm.

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ACETONE – GENERAL INFORMATION

Can acetone cause cancer? Acetone does not cause cancer in animals, but there are no data in humans. Does acetone affect children or damage the unborn child? Children exposed to acetone are expected to show similar effects to adults. Exposure to acetone during pregnancy is not likely to cause harm to the unborn child at doses that do not affect the mother. What should I do if I am exposed to acetone? You should remove yourself from the source of exposure. If you have got acetone on your skin, remove soiled clothing, wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes and seek medical advice. If you have got acetone in your eyes remove contact lenses if necessary, wash the affected area with lukewarm water for at least 10 – 15 minutes and seek medical advice. If you have inhaled or ingested acetone seek medical advice.

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.